KEN airs State woes at US institute
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 27 2013:
Apart from the 'Emergency Services in Manipur' initiative of Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN) Manipur selected as a finalist in the 'Pitch Contest for Social Entrepreneurs' held on October 19 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston (USA), KEN members reportedly introduced Manipur to the audience.
According to an informed source, KEN trio Lakshmikant Laikangbam, Ajit Thokchom and Kelvin Ashem referred to the world map to point out Manipur's location along with highlighting disadvantageous geographic location as one of the primary factors for Manipur being very less known part of India and also the cause of many social issues.
Sharing major social issues in Manipur, the KEN team at the MIT event cited proximity to the notorious Golden Triangle for easy availability of drugs in the State.
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Many young Manipuris have become easy prey to drugs and these drug users share syringe which leads to spread of HIV/AIDS, the source quoted the KEN members as saying to participants of the global event.
In addition to conceding that high prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases has made Manipur infamous, the KEN members also informed the global audience about existence of many armed groups with various demands ranging from greater autonomy to independence thus resulting in violent activities, which the common people have to bear.
It is also informed that due to absence of competent private companies the people of Manipur are highly dependent on Government jobs.
Stressing on the need for an initiative to provide emergency services in the State, KEN also assured to facilitate and accelerate execution of public private partnership.
Informing that the KEN members also interacted with many speakers at the one-day conference on Forum for Social Entrepreneurs on the sidelines of the MIT event, the source said that the KEN trio held discussions with founders of various companies on the possibility of exploring implementation of various ideas/initiatives in Manipur especially to improve socio-economic conditions in the State.
The companies are said to be involved in managing toilet for people, trash management and affordable drinking water supply.